Synthesis of Anatase Se/Te-TiO2 Nanorods with Dominant {100} Facets: Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Activity Induced by Visible Light

A facile method for the preparation of Te‐ and Se/Te‐doped anatase TiO2 nanorods (NRs) with exposed {100} facets, which provides high photocatalytic and antibacterial activity under irradiation with visible light, is developed. Sodium titanate nanotubes are formed from commercial TiO2 nanoparticles (P25) in NaOH through a hydrothermal reaction. The as‐prepared Na‐titanate nanotubes are then used to form Te‐TiO2 nanotubes in the presence of tellurite (TeO32−) ions and NaBH4. Upon further hydrothermal reaction, the Te‐TiO2 nanotubes are transformed to form Te‐TiO2 NRs that further form Sen/Te‐TiO2 NRs through a reduction of selenite (SeO32−) ions with NaBH4. The Te‐TiO2 NRs and Sen/Te‐TiO2 NRs have highly active {100} facets and thus provide the photocatalytic activities for the generation of ⋅OH at 2.5 and 4.5 times higher than that of commercial P25, respectively. The Te‐TiO2 and Sen/Te‐TiO2 NRs exhibit higher antibacterial activities against E. coli and S. aureus than P25 when activated by visible light. These stable and biocompatible Te‐TiO2 and Sen/Te‐TiO2 NRs hold great potential as potent antibacterial agents. Antibacterial agents: Te–TiO2 and Sen/Te–TiO2 nanorods (NRs) with exposed {100} facets are efficient photocatalysts and antibacterial agents against E. coli and S. aureus (see graph; background of red fluorescent stains represents dead or compromised cells). The activity mainly results from the generation of ⋅OH, TeO32−, and SeO32− ions.